System for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items

ABSTRACT

One example embodiment includes a system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items. The system includes a body, wherein the body is configured to support the weight of the system and one or more personal items. The system also includes one or more hooks, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to allow a user to hang the one or more personal items from the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/570,743 filed on Dec. 14, 2011, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people struggle with transporting particular items. For example, many people struggle to carry shopping bags or other items. They may struggle for a variety of reasons. For example, they may struggle because the number, size or shape of the items make them difficult to maneuver. Additionally or alternatively, the weight may be more than the individual is capable of supporting or near the limit of the weight that the individual can support.

In general, when people struggle with carrying items they are forced to improvise solutions. For example, if the individual is struggling with a shopping bag, the individual may be forced to make additional trips with a smaller number of bags. Alternatively, the individual may be forced to remove some items from the bag. However, if the user struggles with supporting the weight of the bag, the additional trips may provide another difficulty for the user.

There are systems designed to help individuals in transporting items. However, these tend to be bulky. That is, they require adequate support for the weight of the item, which means they tend to have a large “footprint” or area on the ground that they are supported on. This means that they are of limited or nonexistent utility in smaller spaces. In addition, they can be difficult to store.

Accordingly, there is a need in that art for a system that can help a user in transporting items. Further there is a need in the art for the system to be used and stored in small spaces.

Available systems are inconvenient to carry even when empty. The user must decide beforehand if they expect they will need a carrying system before going shopping. There is a need for a more portable system the user can carry and be available for use without having to drag around a large inconvenient carrier. This is similar concept to carrying portable umbrella in case of rain.

The more portable systems available consist mainly of a bag to place items into. The fabric often tears and also limits the capacity of use. They are normally no larger than a standard shopping bag thereby limiting greatly the assistance to the user. By allowing bags to hook on to the system, there is greatly flexibility with regard to size, shape, and weight.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One example embodiment includes a system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items. The system includes a body, wherein the body is configured to support the weight of the system and one or more personal items. The system also includes one or more hooks, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to allow a user to hang the one or more personal items from the body.

Another example embodiment includes a system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items. The system includes a base. The base includes one or more legs and a wheel attached to each of the one or more of the legs. The system also includes a body, wherein the body is configured to support the weight of the system and one or more personal items. The system further includes one or more hooks, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to allow a user to hang the one or more personal items from the body. The system also includes a storage area, where the storage area is formed by the one or more legs.

Another example embodiment includes a system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items. The system includes a base. The base includes one or more legs and a wheel attached to each of the one or more of the legs. The system also includes a body, wherein the body is configured to support the weight of the system and one or more personal items. The system further includes one or more hooks, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to allow a user to hang the one or more personal items from the body. The system additionally includes one or more hinges, wherein the one or more hinges allow the system to be folded.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the system folded in a more compact configuration; and

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the system in a storage case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items. In at least one implementation, the system 100 can support the weight of the items allowing the user to move them more easily. In particular, the system 100 can free the user from supporting the weight of the items, allowing the user to concentrate on directing the movement of the items.

FIG. 1 shows that the system 100 can include a base 102. In at least one implementation, the base 102 can support the weight of the system 100 and any attached items. In particular, the base 102 can allow the other components of the system 100 to perform their desired function, as described below.

FIG. 1 also shows that the base 102 can include one or more legs 104. In at least one implementation, the one or more legs 104 can provide stability to the system 100. In particular, the one or more legs 104 can be used to position the system 100 in the desired configuration. For example, the one or more legs 104 can support the system 100 in an upright position, if so desired. The number and of legs 104 can be chosen to provide the desired amount of stability. For example, the one or more legs 104 can include 3 legs 104 or any other desired number of legs 104.

FIG. 1 further shows that the one or more legs 104 can each in include a wheel 106. In at least one implementation, the wheel 106 can allow the user to maneuver the system 100 as desired. In particular, once the items are attached to the system 100, the wheels 106 can allow the user to move the system 100 without having to support the weight of either the system 100 or the attached items.

FIG. 1 additionally shows that the system 100 can include a body 108. In at least one implementation, the body 108 can include a central vertical portion. The body 108 can raise or lower portions of the system 100 to the desired height. I.e., the body 108 can be adjustable, allowing the user to set the desired height of the system 100. For example, the body 108 can telescope. I.e., a first portion of the body 108 can have a slightly smaller diameter than a second portion of the body 108, allowing the first portion to reside within the first portion, adjusting the length.

FIG. 1 also shows that the system 100 can include one or more hooks 110. In at least one implementation, the one or more hooks 110 can be used to attach a bag or other item. For example, the handles of a bag can be placed over the one or more hooks 110, supporting the weight of the bag. The one or more hooks can be open to allow the user to place the handles 110 of a bag over the one or more hooks 110 or can be closed, to ensure that the handles are not removed from the one or more hooks 110 until desired, such as with a carabiner. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any attachment mechanism of the bag or other item to the one or more hooks 110 is contemplated herein.

FIG. 1 further shows that the system 100 can include a handle 112. In at least one implementation, the handle 112 can allow the user to set-up and maneuver the system 100. In particular, the handle 112 can provide a surface for the user to direct the movement of the system 100 during setup. Additionally or alternatively, the handle 112 can allow the user to direct the movement of the system 100 during use, such as when one or more bags are secured on one or more of the hooks 110.

FIG. 1 additionally shows that the system 100 can include a storage area 114. In at least one implementation, the storage area 114 can allow the user to place items that he/she does not wish to hang from the hooks. For example, the storage area 114 can include mesh or netting attached to the one or more legs 104 and/or the body 108.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the system 100 folded in a more compact configuration. In at least one implementation, folding the system 100 can allow the system 100 to be transported to a desired location. I.e., when the system 100 is not in use, the system 100 can be folded to allow for easier transportation of the system 100. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can be folded to store the system 100. I.e., folding the system 100 can allow the system 100 to be stored in a minimum amount of space.

FIG. 2 shows that the system 100 can include one or more hinges 202. In at least one implementation, the one or more hinges 202 can allow portions of the system 100 to be moved relative to one another. For example, the one or more legs 104 can be moved toward or away from one another. I.e., the legs 104 can be folded out to provide a stable support for the system 100 and can be folded in to reduce the used space when being transported or stored. Additionally or alternatively, the handle 112 and/or body 108 can be folded relative to themselves or to one another to reduce the volume of the system 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the system 100 in a storage case 302. In at least one implementation, the storage case 302 can allow the user to more easily transport or store the system 100. For example, the storage case 302 can allow the system 100 to remain in the folded configuration. I.e., the storage case 302 can ensure that the system 100 does not unfold while being transported and stored.

FIG. 3 shows that the storage case 302 can include a strap 304. In at least one implementation, the strap 304 can allow the user to carry or hang the system 100. For example, the strap 304 can be placed over the user's shoulder, allowing the user to carry the system 100 and keep his/her hands free. Additionally or alternatively, the strap 304 can be used to hang the system 100 for storage.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items, the system comprising: a body configured to support the weight of the system and one or more personal items; and at least one hook configured to allow a user to hang the one or more personal items from the body.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a base configured to support the body.
 3. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more legs configured to support the body.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more legs includes three legs.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel on each of the one or more legs.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to be adjustable in length.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to telescope.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a handle configured to allow a user to direct the movement of the system.
 9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a handle configured to allow a user to direct the movement of the system.
 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a hinge attached the handle.
 11. A system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items, the system comprising: a base, wherein the base includes: one or more legs; and a wheel attached to each of the one or more of the legs; a body, wherein the body is configured to support the weight of the system and one or more personal items; one or more hooks, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to allow a user to hang the one or more personal items from the body; and a storage area, wherein the storage area is formed by the one or more legs.
 12. The system of claim 11 further comprising a hinge on each of the one or more legs configured to allow the position of the leg to be adjusted.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the hinge attaches each of the one or more legs to the body.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the each of the hinges is configured to allow the leg to which it is attached to fold against the body.
 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising a carrying case configured to hold the system when each of the legs is folded against the body.
 16. The system of claim 15 further comprising a strap attached to the carrying case configured to allow a user to carry the system.
 17. A system for assisting a user in carrying bags or other items, the system comprising: a base, wherein the base includes: one or more legs; and a wheel attached to each of the one or more legs; a body, wherein the body is configured to support the weight of the system and one or more personal items; one or more hooks, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to allow a user to hang the one or more personal items from the body; and one or more hinges, wherein the one or more hinges allow the system to be folded.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more hooks are each open hooks.
 19. The system of claim 17 further comprising mesh attached to each of the one or more legs.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the mesh is configured to hold one or more items. 